Three-day country festival comes to MIS

Wednesday

Jul 17, 2013 at 5:00 PM

By Myndi MillikenDaily Telegram Special Writer

"I like to call it a hillbilly, three-day sleepover," said five-time American Country Music Promoter of the Year Brian O'Connell of his latest brainchild, the Faster Horses Festival at Michigan International Speedway this Friday through Sunday, July 19-21. "I want it to be more than just a concert — it's a three-day party."

O'Connell, president of concert tour machine Live Nation, said the festival, which features country music stars Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, was at least two years in the making.

"There really wasn't anything like this festival in this part of the country, so we scouted a zillion locations," he said. "When we came to Brooklyn and found there was land adjacent to the speedway where people could come and camp — well, it was perfect."

Having planned super-concerts such as the Watershed Festival in Washington state, O'Connell said he wanted the fan experience to be unforgettable, so he went to work. He partnered with Camp Casey to provide horse vaulting and drill team performances, a huge Foamalicious organic foam party, the world's largest inflatable water slide, a 100-foot-tall vertigo swing and more.

He also added a slate of additional musicians: Chris Young, Thompson Square, Florida Georgia Line, Kix Brooks and Jukebox Mafia, to name a few. In fact, between two stages, there are scores of talent to provide entertainment from approximately 1 to 11 p.m. each day.

The only problem — one O'Connell said almost stopped the event dead in its tracks — was what to name it. "We worked on a name for the better part of a year and finally I happened upon a website talking about Henry Ford."

O'Connell said he saw a quote, famously attributed to Ford, saying, "If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses."

"I really see this as a place where fans can make their own memories and experiences," O'Connell said. "We're gonna have bands that are easy to listen to, a bonfire every night — and you never know who's going to just show up. We're offering the venue and we want fans to come and camp all three days. They'll create their own experience at their campsites, and everyone's gonna have fun."

Live Nation has spelled out everything from ticket sales to campsites at the festival website, www.fasterhorsesfestival.com. Musical acts are listed by days and times, and maps and directions are provided.

O'Connell said he hopes the festival is the first of a tradition. If the festival is a success, he said he wants to add an element of giving back at future concerts.

"I'm from Chicago and live in Nashville, but I have a house in Three Rivers, so I know this area and love it," he said. "This first year we have to work on building and establishing the festival, but in future years I would really like to assist in the preservation of this area, namely the two historical observation towers."

The owners of the Irish Hills Tower just down U.S. 12 from MIS face an Aug. 1 deadline to either have the money lined up to at least stabilize the deteriorating tourist landmarks or submit a demolition plan to Cambridge Township officials.

O'Connell encourages fans to communicate through the website and social media to help him continue to create the ultimate fan experience.

"We try to reach back to fans every day, in real time as much as possible," he said. "We want this to be a wonderful and unique experience."

Those planning to attend should check the Faster Horses website for beverage, drink and carry-in restrictions, as well as rules and a schedule of events.